1980 Ibanez – FA-800BS – ID 5924

When Ibanez began building high-quality archtop guitars in the late 1970s and early 1980s, some much more expensive, established manufacturers had to brace themselves.
This FA-800BS comes from the highly sought-after Japanese production line, signed by luthier Tamura, and impressively demonstrates why the FA series models are so sought after today. The craftsmanship, choice of wood, and attention to detail are of a caliber rarely found in many instruments of that era.
Even unamplified, the guitar impresses with a surprisingly full and balanced tone. The solid spruce top ensures a quick response, while maple and ebony provide the necessary clarity and definition. The balance across the entire fretboard is particularly striking; even the high notes retain their warmth, richness, and body.
This guitar has been professionally upgraded with a DiMarzio DB103 humbucker and discrete electronics. As a result, the FA-800 is not only suitable for traditional jazz, but also for blues, swing, soul, and all kinds of warm clean tones.
Weighing just 3,104 grams, the guitar is pleasantly light, superbly balanced, and plays exceptionally comfortably thanks to its very low string action.

A rare Japanese archtop from a time when Ibanez proved that top quality didn't necessarily have to come from the U.S.
Details and Information: Article on Guitar & Bass.

✅ Model: Ibanez FA-800BS
✅ Year of construction: 1980
✅ Made in Japan
✅ Built by Tamura
✅ Finish: Brown Sunburst
✅ Archtop with a Venetian cutaway
✅ Body width: 17"
✅ Top: Solid spruce
✅ Frames: Laminated curly maple
✅ Floor: Bird's-eye maple
✅ Neck: Maple, glued-in
✅ Fingerboard: Ebony
✅ 20 frets
✅ Mother-of-pearl inlays
✅ Bone saddle
✅ Height-adjustable wooden bridge
✅ Ibanez Velve-Tune Tuners
✅ Retrofit DiMarzio DB103 humbucker
✅ Professionally installed electronics with 2 potentiometers
✅ Weight: 3104 grams